Sandra‘s Closet

Each year in celebration of World’s Ocean Day, that is celebrated on the 8th of June, La Mer continues their quest to give back to the glorious entity that gave them so much, the ocean.

When founder Dr. Max Huber discovered the particularly nutrient-rich Giant Sea Kelp, he was inspired to harness the ocean’s legendary healing powers by bio-fermenting it along with other natural, skin-boosting ingredients like magnesium and iron, to formulate the heart of the La Mer line, the iconic Miracle Broth™.

Reflecting the ongoing commitment to ocean conservation, this year’s limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de La Mer is an artistic interpretation of the power of Giant Sea Kelp, and a painterly portrayal of the healing moisture that waits within. Those jars have already collector’s status.

YOU CAN SHOP THE LA MER BLUE HEART 2024 LIMITED EDITION HERE.
Your purchase of this commemorative Blue Heart Crème de la Mer does not impact La Mer’s charitable donations.

Take La Mer on your next escape, so you can hydrate, revitalize and glow on the go.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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The latest addition to its LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL fragrance collection, aptly named COMÈTE, is inspired by the cosmos and I am absolutely obsessed.

Each of these Eaux de Parfum in the collection reveals one of Gabrielle Chanel’s character traits, writing a page from her life, sketching the outlines of one of her designs, or illustrating a symbol that guided her steps. COMÈTE is literally born under a lucky star.

Gabrielle Chanel let the stars be her guide, revolutionising the world of jewellery in 1932 with her unique «Bijoux de Diamants» collection and its legendary Comète necklace, whose shooting star nestles into the hollow of the neck.

«I WANTED TO COVER WOMEN IN CONSTELLATIONS. STARS! (…) SEE THESE COMETS, WHERE THE HEAD GLITTERS ON A SHOULDER, AND THE SPARKLING TAIL SLIPS BEHIND THE SHOULDERS TO FALL BACK DOWN IN A SHOWER OF STARS ON THE CHEST…»

Gabrielle Chanel.

Intensely floral and luminous, COMÈTE explores a new olfactory identity in the LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL collection. Rich and powdery, sophisticated and complex, it is a universe in itself. A fresh cherry blossom accord, luminous and intense, is elevated by sensual notes of heliotrope and iris in this intense floral «stardust» scent, which is housed in a bottle whose design aligns with the sober aesthetic created for the collection.

COMÈTE. A new star in the constellation of LES EXCLUSIFS DE CHANEL is in stores now for CHF 245 (75ML) and CHF 440 (200ML).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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The scent of the sun is a sensation. Soothing and strengthening, it is an extract of energy: a perfume of opportunity and enhancement.

In his first involvement in a fragrance project for Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams asked Jacques Cavallier Belletrud to capture the light which is the essence of into a highly crafted men’s fragrance for a global community collectively uplifted by the warmth that radiates from the sun.

LVERS was conceived through a creative dialogue between Pharrell Williams and Jacques Cavallier Belletrud and crafted in the Louis Vuitton creative atelier at Les Fontaines Parfumées in Grasse, France.

For this new collaborative opus, the Master Perfumer kept a cross-generational approach at heart, involving in the creative process Camille Cavallier Belletrud, perfumer at Louis Vuitton and member of the creative studio, who was trained at the Maison under the mentorship of the Master Perfumer for many years, cultivating the DNA of the house.

Founded in the Men’s Creative Director’s philosophy of sunlight as a metaphor for love and a source of life and motivation across human experiences, it echoes the question posed upon his arrival at Louis Vuitton: What will you do when the sun shines on you?

Distilled into Eau de parfum, the original idea has to take new form. «The theme of sunlight that lit up Pharrell’s debut show on Pont Neuf in June 2023 inspired us to convey photosynthesis in scent. It may sound abstract, but if you look at life, photosynthesis is the starting point for everything,» Jacques Cavallier Belletrud says.

LVERS conveys in fragrance the figurative yet familiar scent of the sun illuming the skin, energising the vitality of nature, and giving life to the organisms that surround us. With olfactive alchemy, the Master Perfumer transforms the abstract scent of sunlight into earthly matter. Observing the science of photosynthesis, the Maison’s expert identified the notes that emanate from nature as a result of the vitalising power of light: the luxuriance of leaves caressed by rays; the evaporating nectar of freshly grown grass; the warm earthiness of tree trunks expanding under the forest sun. Within the study, pure and ancient natural substances are unearthed.

Galbanum, the mythical resin of the Ferula plant rarely used in modern-day fragrances, is revitalised and refined from its wild, vegetal state. Like a diamond in the rough, the centuries-old scent is cultivated into delicate green notes, creating the sappy and spicy core of the LVERS bouquet. It is grounded in the bottom note of cedarwood. Extracted from second-hand wood from carpentry, the oil’s deep woody sensibility establishes the indefinable but recognisable olfactic sensation universally associated with the forest. Harmonised with the creaminess of sandalwood, it sets an earthy but elegant tone for the fragrance, energised by the clean crispness of ginger. The composition is raised by the fruity, zesty top notes of bergamot, gently announcing the galbanum in a figurative illustration of the early rays of sunrise. Echoing the therapeutic force of the sun, each of the LVERS ingredients is rooted in age-old cultural practices connected to notions of healing. In Ancient Greece, galbanum was employed as a curative remedy, while in Ancient Egypt, cedarwood oil was used as a means of preservation and to ward off evil spirits. In Eastern medicine, sandalwood is a key component alongside ginger, widely known for its health benefits. Across cultures, bergamot has been considered a tool for both mental and physical renewal. The healing powers traditionally linked to the ingredients infuse LVERS with a holistic air: the idea of fragrance as an elixir of well-being; a spray of sunlight distilled in a bottle.

Fashioned in the cylindrical signature silhouette of Louis Vuitton’s Les Parfums, the LVERS flacon reflects, refracts and imitates the sunlight. A prismatic finish electrifies the glass structure coloured from within by a golden jus, evoking the bright effect of sunlight gilding the skin. Introduced alongside the fragrance, a travel case and a fragrance trunk – which holds three bottles – are crafted in the green Damoflage motif. Central to the creative expression of Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton, the graphic splices the Maison’s heritage Damier pattern with camouflage, a signifier in the personal style lexicon of the Men’s Creative Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Skincare brand Augustinus Bader is to open a pop-up in Paris in September in collaboration with artist and founder of the architecture and interior design studio Crosby Studios Harry Nuriev.

Harry Nuriev is an US and France-based artist best known for his sci-fi, minimalist interiors and striking silver designs. He explained that the concept for Augustiner Bader was inspired by a combination of futuristic high-tech and the architecture and symmetry of the Palais Royal’s traditional French garden.

«The final design is a true combination of these two elements within one project,» he said. «I love Palais-Royal and this project was special to me as I could experience the entire historical creative agenda and add my own layer to it.»

This pop-up store will be located in the Augustinus Bader boutique in Paris from September 2024 to January 2025. Nuriev has redesigned the space, inspired by a combination of futuristic high-tech and the architecture and symmetry of the Palais Royal’s traditional French garden.

To book an appointment, call +33 1 40 26 21 77.
Boutique Augustinus Bader, 84 Galeries de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris, France

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Augustinus Bader
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Get the best of SUN SKIN CARE with SHISEIDO SUN EXPERT PROTECTOR Lotion SPF50+. This invisible, lightweight UV protective lotion comes with a protective veil that is strengthened by heat and water, and re-smooths on its own. It protects the inner and outer skin layers against UVA and UVB.

It is infused with 66% skincare ingredients and helps maintain hydration and limits photo-aging for a smooth and plumped skin.

HOW TO USE
– Shake well before use.
– When using on the face, apply after your regular skincare.
– To remove, rinse off thoroughly using daily cleanser.
– Can be used as a makeup base.

TO SHOP THE NEW SHISEIDO SUN EXPERT PROTECTOR LOTION SPF50+, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Welcome to the new Dubai wellness haven: the Dior Spa The Lana. Opening its doors in spring 2024, it is the first Dior Spa in the UAE. Being a place of incomparable beauty and exceptionally soothing treatments, it is an exquisite sanctuary of holistic wellbeing infused with a visionary spirit and the Dorchester Collection’s latest gem.

Bathed with natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that artfully frame views of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dior Spa The Lana provides an unprecedented wellbeing experience with five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into treatments, featuring Icoone Therapy, Hydrafacial, Dior Micro-Abrasion, and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask, which is renowned for its ability to promote intense cell regeneration, the spa also offers a futon for Japanese-inspired treatments, and a dedicated beauty room. Each cocoon possesses distinctive characteristics, adeptly adapting to the unique desires of every guest while upholding an unwavering commitment to privacy.

Elevating the experience further, Iyashi Dôme technology introduces customisable sauna sessions, providing both relaxation and slimming effects. This is complemented by an impressive array of facial treatments thoughtfully curated for men and a personalised programme of hand and foot treatments.

Three signature treatments will be exclusive to The Lana, including Escale at The Lana, Dior Stone Therapy and D-Sculpt.

Escale is a tribute to the inaugural Dior Spa set ‘amongst the clouds’. This unique Japanese-inspired ritual defies the laws of gravity, inviting guests to unwind on a futon on the floor, where a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative relation methods embrace both body and mind. The treatment seamlessly blends kneading, friction and percussion and full body stretching. Deep, slow, and unforgettable massage strokes traverse from head to toe, releasing muscle and joint tensions to foster a sense of tranquillity. The final touch involves a precise, sensorial sequence of massage movements transporting guests to a realm of ultimate relaxation.

For a truly refined experience, guests can delve into the Dior Stone Therapy treatment. This sophisticated massage harmonises energy flow with meticulous attention, utilising semi-precious stones strategically placed on the body. The indulgence extends with facial micro-abrasion, employing sapphire crystals while the skin revels in the rejuvenating glow of the Dior Skin Light led therapy mask.

D-Sculpt, a body massage with firming and slimming properties, skillfully combines the traditional benefits of wood, dry brushing and toning techniques, with those of the manual «skin lift» method, offering anti-cellulite effects.

The Lana and the Dior Spa, which stays faithful to the vision of iconic French designer who had a special relationship with Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, home of Dior Spa Plaza Athénée, will work closely together to craft personalised well-being escapes for each guest, tailored to their desires, needs and preferences. From a memorable half-day experience combining cocktails, lunch, as well as a sports session and treatment, to a full day journey where the hotel’s Rolls-Royce collects guests to ensure a seamless transition from their preferred location to and from the hotel, The Lana will take wellbeing to new heights.

Dior Spa The Lana will also present an elegant boutique showcasing Dior’s product lines including Dior Prestige, renowned for its creams, serums, and face lotions infused with Rose de Granville, L’Or de Vie, a Dior skincare ritual featuring anti-aging skincare creations, Rouge Premier, the quintessence of haute couture lipstick and La Collection Privée Christian Dior, a luxurious line of Dior’s unisex fragrances.

For more information or to make a booking, please visit the website.

Photos: Courtesy of Pierre Mouton © DIOR
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Fine, delicate, and imperceptible formulas that become one with the skin. Simple, free, and intuitive application. With LES BEIGES by CHANEL, recreate a radiant healthy glow, as if you had spent the day in the great outdoors.

LIGHT CHANGES, BUT RADIANCE STAYS
The new LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER, featuring fresh, energizing shades, offers a radiant complexion no matter the season.

HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER PLAY WITH LIGHT AND COLOR
A trio of shades that can be worn individually or blended, designed to illuminate your face, warm up your complexion, and bring out the color in your cheeks. Its fine, silky formula leaves behind a veil of light. A sun-kissed healthy glow effect that lasts up to 8 hours, as if you had spent the day in the great outdoors. Flawless and tailor-made, all year round. A generously sized creation presented in the rounded square case that is emblematic of CHANEL.

EACH HARMONY CONSISTS OF 3 LUMINOUS SHADES:
One bronzer – One blush – One highlighter

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SUN-KISSED POWDER Poudre Belle Mine Ensoleillée CHF 105.-
5 teintes
Light Coral / Medium Coral / Deep Rose Gold /
Deep Mauve / Medium Rose Gold

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW FOUNDATION HYDRATION AND LONGWEAR

RADIANCE MORE NATURAL THAN EVEN NATURE COULD CREATE
A moisturizing and protective 90% skincare-based product whose imperceptible formula, infused with jasmine extract, offers a radiant complexion in any light. After 1 month of use, skin appears twice as radiant.

LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW FOUNDATION HYDRATION AND LONGWEAR Teint Belle Mine Ensoleillée CHF 72.-
This fluid foundation is available now in 42 shades.

All products will be available from Mid May 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

When the irresistible iridescent finish of Huile Prodigieuse® Or meets the uplifting floral notes of Huile Prodigieuse® Florale, the result is the new gem of French pharmacy: Huile Prodigieuse® Or Florale. Discover the era of a new shimmering rosegold glow that beautifies all skin types while infusing them with the benefits of the iconic dry oil.

Radiant appeal: each and every one can choose their own desired glow, with 2 products that perfectly adapt to all skin types and complexions. Both shimmery ‘Or’ oils provide a different finish: the new iridescent rosegold glow of Huile Prodigieuse® Or Florale has cooler highlights that subtly lift the skin, perfect to freshen the complexion, for example. Huile Prodigieuse® Or contains golden pearly particles with warmer tones to create an iridescent golden glow that beautifies all skin types and enhances a tan.

HOW TO USE
Indulge in the irresistible new floral gold to moisturize, smooth and illuminate your face, body and hair in a single step.

Face
You can use these oils as part of your make-up, to give your skin an instant illuminating boost. Dab a few drops gently over your face using your fingertips or a flat brush. Focus on areas that capture the light, such as the top of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose or the middle of your forehead.

Body
Pour a few drops of golden oil into the palms of your hands or onto a kabuki brush and distribute evenly. Apply as a veil to your legs or as highlights on key points (shoulders, collarbones, décolleté…), its iridescent finish will give your body a beautiful glow all day or all night long.

Hair
Scrunch a few drops into the lengths and sprinkle sparingly over the ends to create pretty highlights that blend into your hair.

Often copied, never rivalled, skin is satin smooth and beautiful. Its dry touch allows you to get dressed quickly after application and its finish on the skin makes the senses melt with pleasure. The uplifting notes of Huile Prodigieuse® Or Florale include zesty Grapefruit, a luminous floral harmony of Orange Blossom/Magnolia and a velvety base of white Musk to create an irresistibly fragrant trail. I love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Nuxe
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The Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2024 collection is being presented on April 18, 2024 at the Long Museum in Shanghai, which was founded by husband-and-wife collectors Mr. Liu Yiqian and Ms. Wang Wei, and is named for its elongated funnel shape. The largest private museum in China, it holds the country’s richest collection, including traditional, modern and contemporary Chinese art, Chinese revolutionary art, and contemporary works from Asia, Europe and the United States.

On the occasion of the first Voyager Show, the House reveals a vibrant collaboration with artist Sun Yitian. Known for her photorealistic paintings of toys and other mass-produced objects, she has collaborated on an exclusive series that colourfully animates the Pre-fall 2024 collection, spanning ready-to-wear, leather goods, trunks, accessories and fragrances.

Born in 1991 in Zhejiang, China, Sun Yitian lives and works in Beijing. She has been presented in solo exhibitions at galleries in Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Throughout her work, she explores the tension between «Made in China» mass production and artistic value, bringing items that may initially seem unremarkable or of little value into the context of galleries and museums. For her first collaboration with a luxury Maison, her work is further transposed to wearable pieces, introducing the element of savoir faire. Sun Yitian imagined toy-like animals including a pink rabbit, yellow duck, spotted dog, leopard, zebra, penguin and swan. They interact playfully with iconic and everyday pieces as the latest collectible series in which contemporary artists bring their distinct world to the universe of Louis Vuitton.

«The connection between paintings on a canvas and the viewer is somewhat static and silent, a form of observation with a certain distance. However, when my artworks are translated into clothing, bags, or perfumes, they become much closer to people, and this interaction is lively and unpredictable. It creates an equal relationship of use,» says Sun Yitian.

The process involved discussions between Sun Yitian and the Louis Vuitton where creativity across different materials and techniques manifested into design. Extra-large and subtly whimsical, her artwork makes a bold statement as prints or embroidery on ready-to-wear that complements Pre-fall 2024 silhouettes by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton Artistic Director of Women’s Collections. Whether a cheerful leopard grinning on a petal pink coat or skirt; the duck in profile on a sky-blue hooded windbreaker; or an inflatable rabbit with Monogram flower eyes filling the front of an A-line dress or T-shirt, the looks signal bright, youthful energy.

With the addition of Sun Yitian’s animals, signature bags are reinterpreted in ‘Animogram’ canvas. From a zebra on the Alma in Epi calfskin to the duck and its shadow atop the On The Go tote in reverse varnished calfskin, each animal is paired with a key shape. Another version involves highly crafted animal coin purses associated with a specific bag and colour base such as the rabbit coin purse paired with a Noé in glossy white Monogram leather. New to the Pre-fall collection is the Mini Square Trunk, a handheld, hard-sided design that features either the dog in smooth calfskin or the leopard in grained leather, both with colourful quilted interiors. Bag charms, meanwhile, are dimensional and exude cuteness, from the leopard key holder that matches the Pop Flower collection to the XL inflatable rabbit happily clinging to each bag.

Sun Yitian’s Animogram creation extend to shoes with the menagerie popping up on several styles: printed on Monogram nylon mules; as leather patches on the Lous open back sneakers, or as playful lace accessories and in corresponding colour ways for the LV Archlight sneakers. The entire menagerie comes together as a detailed family portrait on the Carré 90 scarf and appear individually as well, accented with a graphic Louis Vuitton border.

Finally, Sun Yitian’s collaboration has inspired three limited editions of its iconic perfumes Spell on You, Imagination and Heures d’Absence, enriching the fragrance stories with playful decors. For the first time, these Louis Vuitton perfumes are adorned with precious charms – an animal and the LV signature pendant – attached to a fine golden chain. The pink rabbit joins Spell on You, its color resonating with the pink juice of iris pallida blended with sophisticated rose evoking romance with a touch of mischief. The orange leopard is paired with Heures d’Absence with its free-spirited and contemporary bouquet of mimosa, jasmine and May rose. The yellow duck returns to animate Imagination, a daring fragrance bursting with an amber accord with citrus and Chinese black tea. Each perfume, composed by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, comes in colorful packaging specially decorated by Sun Yitian featuring glossy LV Monograms. Specially for the occasion, Imagination has its own travel case in Reverse Monogram adorned with the duck.

In all their forms, Sun Yitian’s animals will be memorably linked to the Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2024 collection as an artistic expression rendered with fun and fantasy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

April 22nd is Earth Day. AVEDA has launched an interesting project on that occasion. Skip a hair wash day to save an average of 6 gallons of water per person! «The Power of Every Drop» campaign in collaboration with @charitywater presents a limited-edition Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Overnight Serum bottle with artwork inspired by the Yoruba heritage of Nigerian Visual Artist Laolu Senbanjo @laolunyc.

AVEDA will donate CHF 20 from every purchase of this exclusive bottle (CHF 56) to long-time partner charity: water to fund clean water projects around the globe because access to clean water creates a ripple effect of better health, education, and opportunities. One family will have access to clean water for 8 months with the purchase of one bottle from April 1, 2024.

703 million people in the world don’t have access to clean and safe water. Every drop makes a difference. Over 700 million people live without access to safe drinking water. Your support helps change that. Help AVEDA spread awareness for the clean water crisis by posting your no-wash style using #NoWashDay #AvedaNoWashChallenge – when we come together, small actions make a powerful impact.

More Style, Less Water

When AVEDA sent me some products and asked me to join their campaign to not wash my hair for one week, I was smiling. This is an easy task for me as I wash my hair only once a week in general. To keep it long and healthy, that is the first step. You can train your scalp to not produce so much oil with time. I never have greasy hair. I plan my gym classes in which I sweat towards the last days of my cycle and make only exceptions when I am at the beach. I style it after washing with my DYSON Airwrap™ and use my heatless curl headband during the week.

I kindly ask you to try it for yourself. You can extend time between washes with these Aveda haircare products, to keep your hair feeling and looking fresher for longer.

Botanical Repair™ Strengthening Overnight Serum
It builds bonds, while repairing three layers of hair and reducing the appearance of split ends. I use it almost every night as it adds a nice texture to my hair.

Scalp Solutions Refreshing Protective Mist
This refreshing mist provides all-day antioxidant protection and helps control excess oil for 48 hours.

Shampowder™ Dry Shampoo
Conquer second day hairstyles with this dry shampoo. Perfect for absorbing excess oil, impurities and sweat with powerful plant powders, this dry shampoo powder instantly adds volume and texture to refresh style. I love to use it to add volume to my roots after washing.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / AVEDA
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.